I love networking with other artists and crafters. During a craft show in May, I was talking to my “neighbor”, Val of The Vintage Junkies. She showed me a picture of a self-closing canvas bag on her phone and asked if I could make something similar to that. It turns out, it was a pin on Pinterest that linked to a tutorial for a really cool design!

The strap is woven through the eyelets and is attached to the bag in a way that pulls it closed when held by the strap. Isn’t that clever?

I put my own spin on it, using olive green canvas, black/white ticking, and a soft woven strap, but I used the tutorial for the basic pattern/design. Would you like to make one? You can view the tutorial for the original design here.

Not into sewing? Watch for variations of this style at my upcoming craft shows and in my online shop!

I’ve been working on something new for the little munchkins out there.

These baby bibs come in two sizes…for your big and little munchkins. They are backed with a luxurious minky fabric and close with a pearl snap. (Velcro is way too easy for little ones to defeat!)

In the early months, it’s all about the drool, milk, and spit-up. The small size is perfect for keeping that little shirt or onesie clean a little bit longer.

As time goes on and munchkins grow, you need some more serious coverage for those happy, messy food adventures. After all…you never know if that spoonful of green beans will stay in…or come right back out! 🙂

Pennsylvania winters can be COLD, but this year seems brutal. Wind chills have been ridiculous, and today I was actually excited about 36 degrees. Oh well…spring will spring when she’s ready. Until then, we might as well look cute while keeping warm!

We’re proud to use designer fabrics when making our bags and accessories, but what does that mean? Isn’t fabric just…fabric?

There is a significant difference between the fabric you find at Wal-mart and the “designer” fabric you find at a quilt shop or online. It’s like shopping for bedsheets. The lower the thread count, the cheaper the sheets, the scratchier and weaker they are. The higher the thread count, the more expensive the sheets, the smoother and stronger they are.

Difference in fabric quality can be felt and seen in sewing fabrics, too. When a bag, checkbook cover, or zippered pouch is made with designer fabric, it lasts longer than one made with the cheaper alternative. It’s stronger, softer to the touch, and holds its color and shape longer. Designer fabrics also cost twice as much, which is why the price of a Simple Whimsy Design item cannot fairly be compared to the price of a similar-looking item at Wal-mart.

We strive to use only the best possible fabrics and supplies available for our projects. Care and attention to detail go into each hand-crafted piece. We hope you love them as much as we love making them for you!